Proposal Prep & Submission

Proposal Criteria

Format your Student Green Energy Fund proposal in a manner that you deem best to present your idea, but be sure to comply with the following criteria.

Your proposal MUST comply with the following criteria:

  • Proposals must address energy savings and/or renewable energy technologies that demonstrably lower energy consumption on USF campuses.
  • Proposals must include an educational component that informs the USF community about the results of the project.
  • All relevant university paperwork (e.g., Space Impact Request, Event Request, etc.) must be completed and approved.
  • All proposed projects must have immediate application (i.e., should not be "pure" research).
  • Proposals cannot include salaries or stipends for USF employees but can include stipends for undergraduate students and salaries (but not tuition) for graduate assistants.
  • Proposals must demonstrate that funding alternatives (such as fees, grants, etc.) are not available/applicable.
  • All proposals and benefitting units must comply with the reporting requirements of the and the .
  • Proposals must be submitted online via the form(s) provided on this website. Each applicant is expected to thoroughly complete the form.

Your proposal SHOULD comply with the following criteria:

  • Proposals should specify or estimate the return on investment (e.g. KWH reductions, GHG emissions reductions, and/or cost savings realized by the institution).
  • Project management teams should include a combination of faculty/staff and students.
  • Projects should seek internal/external funding matches or cost sharing with other units.
  • Proposals should show how the projects align with the USF Strategic Plan and/or Master Plan.
  • Proposals should demonstrate the sustainability of the project after the budget period has ended (e.g., a statement from the benefitting unit committing to maintain the project after the budget period has ended).
  • Projects should enhance student success and contribute to institutional sustainability.